The Great American Smokeout
What is it?
Each year on the third Thursday of November, communities all over the nation take part in the American Cancer
Society's Great American Smokeout. During this event, tobacco use is publicized and smokers are challenged
to quit using tobacco for at least 24 hours.
The Great American Smokeout, 2007 will be on Thursday, November 15th!
If you're a tobacco user, the Great American Smokeout is a great time to take the challenge of quitting. By
choosing to quit for at least one day, you can use the time to think about your tobacco use, and prove to
yourself that you can make the choice to quit using tobacco.
Why should I take part in the Great American Smokeout?
Avoiding tobacco use is one of the most important things you can to do maintain your health.
Did you know...
Smoking causes one out of every five deaths in the United States. In fact, people who smoke die an average
of 14 years earlier than non-smokers.2
Children raised in a household where there is smoking are more likely to have health problems, such as ear
infections and asthma.2
However, tobacco use also has many other consequences. Which of the following consequences
concern you the most?
Possible Health Consequences |
Other consequences |
| Increased risk of many types of cancer |
Bad breath and lingering smell of smoke |
| More frequent colds and bronchitis |
Discolored teeth and fingernails |
| High blood pressure |
Financial burden |
| Increased risk of stroke and heart disease |
Premature wrinkling of the skin |
| Complications with pregnancy |
Hassle of using tobacco in public |
| Worsening of existing health conditions |
Not always socially accepted |
| Delayed healing after illness, surgery, or injury |
Giving children the message that it is okay to use tobacco |
| Possibility of changing the way your body reacts to certain medications |
Shortness of breath when taking part in daily activities |
Even if you've been a smoker for years, it's never too late to make an impact on your health. In fact,
for every day you remain tobacco-free, your immune system improves.3
How can I participate?
If you're thinking about taking part in the Great American Smokeout, congratulate yourself! You've taken
the first step in taking control of your health. Here are some tips to help you make the day a success.
- Think about why quitting smoking is important to you. The reasons can be different for everyone.
Perhaps you want to set a good example for your children. Or maybe you want to improve or maintain your
health. Or perhaps you'd like to spend your money on something other than cigarettes. Use your reasons
as your motivation.
- Be prepared. Come up with a plan to keep yourself busy during the times you normally smoke. Think
about things you can do instead of smoking and how you will manage your cravings. It may help you to know
that a tobacco craving only lasts three to five minutes!
- Decrease the amount of stress in your life. It's common for people to smoke when they're feeling
stressed. Evaluate the areas of your life that cause you stress and try to come up with healthy solutions
to manage those situations.
- Get some support. Your likelihood of quitting for good is increased if you have some means of support
such as nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and the encouragement of friends and family members.1
- Reward yourself. Congratulate yourself on any progress you make. However, make sure not to replace
your habit with another unhealthy behavior. Instead, choose healthy behaviors that will have a positive
effect on your well-being. For example, why not go for a walk with a friend or get a massage?
- Don't give up. If you experience a setback, don't give up hope. It's actually much more common to
experience a setback than not. Instead of getting down on yourself, take the opportunity to learn from your
experiences to help yourself achieve success.
Overcoming an addiction is a continuous journey that requires an ongoing and conscious effort. But if you're
thinking about quitting smoking, it's important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere - why not join
millions of others this year on the Great American Smokeout and start making strides to improve your health
one day at a time?
To find the Great American Smokeout Resources in your area:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2x_Local_Smokeout_Resources.asp?
References:
1American Cancer Society. November 2006. All About the Event. Retrieved September 14, 2007
from the World Wide Web: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_5_Great_American_Smokeout_History.asp
2American Cancer Society. February 2006. Cigarette Smoking. Retrieved September 14, 2007 from
the World Wide Web: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2X_Cigarette_Smoking.asp
3Sopori, ML; Kozak, W. 1998. Immunomodulatory effects of cigarette smoke. Journal of
Neuroimmunology. 83(1-2):148-56.
This material is provided by CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc. for informational/educational purposes
only. It is not intended as medical/clinical advice. Only a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis or recommend
a treatment plan. For more information about your behavioral health benefits, you can call the member services
or behavioral health telephone number listed on your healthcare identification card.
